Abstract: The invention refers to a method for generating an ultrashort ion bunch (22) comprising the steps of emitting a laser pulse (16) whose length is four periods or less, preferably one period, and whose power is 1 PW or more, preferably 10 PW or more; and irradiating a solid target (12) with said laser pulse (16), so as to create an ion bunch (22). The invention also refers to a corresponding system (10) for generating an ultrashort ion bunch (20) comprising the solid target (12), and a laser system (14) for generating the laser pulse (16) and irradiating the solid target (12) with the laser pulse (16), for creating an ion bunch (22).